Uncontrolled blood pressure
Congratulations on finding this article as the information we share could save your life. Studies have shown that nearly 36 million Americans are suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure and almost 14 million of them don’t even know it.
This is an alarming number of people who are not showing high blood pressure symptoms and may not have gone to the doctor to have their uncontrolled blood pressure checked.
A thousand people die each day from uncontrolled high blood pressure, so what do you need to know to save your life.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood that runs through the arteries as the heart pumps it through the body. It is measured as systolic pressure (the blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood) and diastolic pressure (blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats).
Systolic is typically written above the diastolic number.
It is important to understand that blood pressure fluctuates all the time depending on your level of activity. It is low when you are asleep and rises when you are active during the day.
Blood pressure also rises when you’re experiencing certain emotions such as nervousness, excitement, and surprise.
What is the Difference between Prehypertension and High Blood Pressure?
You will need three separate readings of 120 over 80. If your numbers are consistently above normal, you may be at risk for future health problems. Prehypertension is a reading of 120-139 over 80-89 and it could lead to high blood pressure.
If you have a consistent blood pressure reading that is 140 over 90, you have high blood pressure. About one in three American adults suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure, even though they feel fine. If your blood pressure reading concerns your healthcare provider, treatment is available to prevent damage to your organs.
Why is high blood pressure called the Silent Killer?
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can harm the body in a number of ways. What makes it particularly dangerous as the Silent Killer is that high blood pressure usually shows no signs or symptoms. You can have high blood pressure and not even know it. Meanwhile, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
What causes High Blood Pressure?
- Smoking
- Aging
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High doses of salt each day
- Genetics
What can You Do to Lower Your Blood Pressure?
While medication can take care of the high blood pressure symptoms, there are a number of things you can do to prevent the condition.
- Lose weight
- Limit your salt intake to 1 teaspoon or 2300 milligrams of salt each day
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and fiber
- Exercise 30 minutes for a minimum of 3 times a week
If you suffer from high blood pressure and have been given a prescription by a physician, be sure to faithfully take your medication. Remember that high blood pressure symptoms do not exist, so encourage your loved ones to have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
